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Typical source

Propionic acid

Plain-language explanation

Calcium propionate is a preservative used to prevent mold and bacteria from growing in bread and other baked goods. It is a calcium salt of propionic acid, which can be produced synthetically or from natural sources like fermentation. Major halal certification bodies generally consider it halal when produced through synthetic chemical processes, as no animal-derived ingredients are involved. However, if the propionic acid source is derived from animal fat, its halal status would depend on whether the animal was slaughtered according to Islamic law. Therefore, its halal status is typically conditional on the manufacturing source and process.